The Snow Lake Trek – Travan

The Snow Lake Trek

22 Days 23 Nights

Travel Style: Adventure

Preferred Time: June - August

Travel: By air

Description

Embark on the Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek, one of the most spectacular and remote high-altitude adventures in Pakistan. This 22-day expedition takes you across the vast white wilderness of Snow Lake, a glacial basin over 16 kilometers wide, surrounded by the granite giants of the Karakoram Range. Starting in the lush valleys of Skardu and Askoli, the route traverses the colossal Biafo Glacier, passes through the ethereal basin of Snow Lake Pakistan, and crosses the dramatic Hispar La Pass (5,151m)—the only point where two of the world’s longest glaciers (Biafo and Hispar Glacier) meet outside the polar regions.

Designed for experienced trekkers, this challenging journey includes glacier navigation, crevasse crossings, and dramatic scenery that changes from icy expanses to lush meadows and remote Balti villages. With the support of expert guides from Travan Pakistan, this trek combines physical endurance with cultural discovery. From the ancient streets of Lahore to the breathtaking peaks above Snow Lake, and finally to the charming villages of Hunza and historic Taxila, this immersive adventure delivers unforgettable beauty, personal triumph, and rare access to one of Earth’s last wild frontiers.

Whether you're planning your first snow lake trek or exploring the snow lake and hispar la trek cost, this itinerary offers comprehensive insight, professional guidance, and all the information needed for an unforgettable snowflake and hispar la trek itinerary.

  • Trek across the mighty Biafo Glacier—one of the world’s longest non-polar glaciers, stretching over 67 kilometers through the Karakoram wilderness.
  • Camp beside the surreal expanse of Snow Lake (4,800m), a vast glacial basin surrounded by towering peaks, often described as one of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth.
  • Cross the legendary Hispar La Pass (5,151m)—a thrilling, high-altitude traverse linking the Hispar Glacier with the Biafo, offering panoramic views of the Karakoram giants.
  • Experience the transition from icy terrain to the lush green meadows of Baintha, where wildflowers bloom in contrast to the surrounding glacial ice.
  • Gaze upon majestic peaks including Latok I, Ogre (Baintha Brakk), and Hispar Sar, as you journey through a dramatic amphitheater of rock and ice.
  • Discover the rich history and culture of Pakistan with visits to Lahore’s Mughal landmarks, the ancient Buddhist ruins of Taxila, and the vibrant artistry of a Truck Art workshop in Rawalpindi.
  • Explore the vibrant streets of Karimabad (Hunza), visit the iconic Baltit Fort, and enjoy panoramic views of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar Peaks.
  • Camp under the stars on glacier ice with zero light pollution, and witness dazzling displays of the Milky Way each night of the trek.
  • Journey through traditional Balti villages like Askoli and Hispar, interacting with local communities known for their resilience, warmth, and mountaineering heritage.
  • Travel confidently and safely with Travan Pakistan’s expert guides and support staff, ensuring responsible trekking practices, acclimatization, and memorable experiences from Islamabad to Snow Lake and beyond.

Arrive in Lahore, where Travan Pakistan’s team greets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Spend the morning settling in and recovering from your flight. In the afternoon, ease into the city’s vibrant rhythm with a stroll through Liberty Market. Wander past colorful stalls of embroidered textiles, local jewelry, and handcrafted souvenirs. Try a chilled glass of sugarcane juice or a traditional kulfi falooda for a sweet treat. As evening falls, enjoy a warm welcome dinner featuring classic Lahori flavors—from spicy karahis to aromatic biryani. Let the lively sounds of the city and its rich cultural spirit set the tone for the high-altitude adventure ahead. Overnight stay in the heart of Lahore.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before exploring Lahore’s historical gems. Visit the majestic Lahore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the splendor of Mughal architecture, including the intricate mirror work of Sheesh Mahal and the elegant Naulakha Pavilion. Next, head to the grand Badshahi Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, reflecting the opulence of the Mughal era. Stroll through the restored Shahi Hammam, a Persian-style bathhouse near Delhi Gate, before heading to the beautifully decorated Wazir Khan Mosque, known for its vibrant frescoes and tilework. In the evening, drive to the Wagah Border for the high-energy Flag-Lowering Ceremony, where synchronized drills and patriotic cheers create an electric atmosphere. Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

Depart Lahore after breakfast for a scenic journey north to the capital city. You’ll stop at historic landmarks along the route. Option one takes you to the Mughal-era Jahangir’s Tomb, set in peaceful gardens, and then onward to Hiran Minar—a royal retreat with a dramatic tower and reservoir. Alternatively, explore the illuminated chambers of the Khewra Salt Mines, followed by a visit to the ancient Katas Raj Temples, nestled around a sacred spring. Enjoy a local lunch en route before continuing on the motorway toward Islamabad. Arrive by late afternoon and check into your boutique accommodation. Spend your evening browsing Centaurus Mall or relaxing at a local café, preparing for tomorrow’s journey into the mountains.

Take a scenic morning flight from Islamabad to Skardu, soaring above the mighty Karakoram Range with possible glimpses of Nanga Parbat. Upon arrival, Travan Pakistan’s team will welcome you and transfer you to your lodge nestled amid the tranquil Skardu Valley. Rest with a hot cup of chai and enjoy the crisp mountain air. In the afternoon, head into Skardu Bazaar to gather any final supplies for the trek—from thermal layers to trail snacks. You’ll also meet your guides for a full briefing on the Snow Lake & Hispar La route, reviewing safety protocols and team logistics. Enjoy a traditional Balti dinner in the evening. Overnight in Skardu as excitement builds for the days ahead.

Acclimatization is key before trekking at high altitude, and today offers the perfect opportunity to adjust. Take a 4x4 excursion to Deosai National Park, a vast alpine plateau often called the “Land of Giants.” At over 4,000 meters, its wild, open landscapes are filled with blooming wildflowers, marmots, and—if you’re lucky—Himalayan brown bears. Stop at the spectacular Sheosar Lake, where you’ll take in sweeping views of snow-draped Nanga Parbat mirrored in crystal waters. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst meadows that stretch endlessly in every direction. Return to Skardu in the afternoon for rest, packing, and mental preparation for the trek. The next phase of your journey begins tomorrow as you step into Pakistan’s remote wilderness.

Leave the comfort of Skardu behind as you begin your off-road adventure to Askoli, the final village before the glacier. The jeep ride winds through the starkly beautiful Shigar Valley, crossing wooden bridges and navigating along the roaring Braldu River. Villages dot the route, each more remote than the last, with locals carrying on centuries-old traditions. After 6–7 hours, arrive at Askoli (3,000m), where your trekking team of porters and guides awaits. Set up camp and explore the village’s mud homes and barley fields, surrounded by craggy cliffs. As the sun sets behind the peaks, enjoy a hot dinner and prepare your gear. Tonight marks your last night in civilization before entering Pakistan’s high glacial wilderness.

Begin your first day on foot with a gradual trek that leads toward the Biafo Glacier. After breakfast, walk along narrow trails and suspension bridges, gradually reaching the glacier’s terminal moraine. The trail becomes more rugged as you step onto the icy, boulder-strewn surface of the Biafo—one of the world’s longest glaciers outside the polar regions. Surrounded by granite towers and snow-laced ridges, the landscape begins to feel truly wild. After 6–7 hours of trekking through rocky glacial terrain, reach Namla, your first campsite on the ice. Tents are pitched on a relatively level patch near the glacier’s edge. As darkness falls, the sky lights up with stars, and you sleep to the distant echo of shifting ice.

Wake to the crisp morning air and continue your journey deeper into the glacier. The terrain becomes more demanding as you cross uneven ice, moraine, and meltwater streams. Your experienced guides help navigate around crevasses and ridges, while the dramatic peaks lining the glacier grow ever taller. Massive rock spires and unnamed summits dominate the skyline, creating an unforgettable high-altitude amphitheater. After 5–6 hours of steady trekking, arrive at Mango—an isolated campsite nestled between glacial humps and surrounded by walls of ice and rock. You’ll enjoy a well-earned meal, rest in your tent, and admire a Milky Way so vivid it seems to pulse above the glacier. This is true wilderness, deep in the heart of the Karakoram.

Continue your journey as the glacier widens and the landscape begins to shift. After breakfast, the day’s trek takes you across rolling glacial terrain, where icy ridges and granite slabs blend with the first hints of alpine green. The mighty Latok peaks come into view—tall, jagged, and awe-inspiring. After 6–7 hours of trekking, arrive at Baintha Meadows, a lush oasis perched on the glacier’s edge. Bright wildflowers sway in the breeze, while yaks graze peacefully nearby. The contrast of green meadows and icy backdrops is mesmerizing. Settle in for the evening with a hearty meal and stunning sunset views. This is one of the most beautiful and tranquil campsites of the entire Snow Lake & Hispar La trek.

Take a well-deserved break in the serene Baintha Meadows. Surrounded by sweeping views of the Biafo Glacier and soaring peaks, today is all about rest and acclimatization. Sleep in, stretch out tired muscles, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Optional short hikes to nearby ridges offer panoramic views of Latok I and II and help with elevation adjustment. Spend the afternoon journaling, chatting with your porters, or simply lying in the grass beneath endless sky. This peaceful interlude not only recharges the body but heightens your connection to this majestic environment. With the trail to Snow Lake ahead, tonight’s calm under the stars prepares you mentally and physically for the challenges to come.

Leave behind the grassy meadows of Baintha and step back onto the glacier as the terrain becomes more rugged and isolated. Trekking over shifting moraine and shimmering ice, you’ll move deeper into the Karakoram, with towering peaks rising on all sides. Pass surreal ice formations and navigate small crevasses and glacier streams, with panoramic views of Latok I and the dramatic Ogre peak dominating the skyline. The 6–7 hour trek leads to Karfogoro Camp, located on a wide ice field surrounded by jagged ridges and icy slopes. As evening settles in, enjoy a warm dinner at camp, review plans for the days ahead, and take in the profound silence of the glacier beneath a star-filled night sky.

Today brings you to one of the most legendary locations in the Karakoram: Snow Lake. Trekking across creaking ice and snowy ridges, you’ll gradually ascend to this vast, untouched glacial basin surrounded by peaks over 6,000 meters. Snow Lake spans more than 16 kilometers in width, offering surreal views of Hispar Sar, Lupke Brakk, and dozens of unnamed giants. The isolation and scale of the landscape create a dreamlike atmosphere, unmatched in its beauty and solitude. After 6–7 hours of trekking, arrive at the campsite set on the snowy plain. Enjoy a hot meal, watch the alpenglow sweep across the basin, and prepare for a night of stargazing in one of the most remote places on Earth.

Spend the day acclimatizing and exploring the pristine snowfield of Snow Lake. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and miles of unbroken snow, the morning begins with a relaxed breakfast and optional short hikes across the basin. Trek to scenic ridges that offer panoramic views of the glacial amphitheater, with close-up glimpses of Hispar Sar and nearby summits. Use the quiet hours to photograph the untouched wilderness, write in your journal, or simply marvel at the silence and serenity. You may spot signs of rare wildlife, including Himalayan ibex or soaring eagles. As evening arrives, enjoy another hearty meal at camp and a final night under the Milky Way before approaching the mighty Hispar La.

Begin the gradual ascent across the snowfields as you make your way toward Hispar La Base Camp. Today’s journey, though not as steep as the pass itself, requires careful pacing due to thin air and increasing elevation. Trekking through brilliant white expanses framed by towering ice walls, you’ll feel the raw isolation of this remote landscape. The views become increasingly dramatic, with the jagged profile of Hispar Sar and unnamed peaks dominating the skyline. After 6–7 hours, reach the base camp set on the glacier’s upper slope. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for tomorrow’s challenging pass crossing, as your guides go over the rope techniques and safety measures needed for a successful ascent.

Wake before dawn for the most demanding and exhilarating day of the trek: the ascent of Hispar La. Using ropes and crampons, make your way up steep snow slopes as the first light breaks over the peaks. Upon reaching the pass, take in the stunning 360-degree panorama of the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers, joined beneath your feet in one of Earth’s longest glacial traverses. Peaks like Khunyang Chhish and Hispar Sar surround the ridge, creating a scene of alpine grandeur. Begin a cautious descent onto the Hispar Glacier, where the terrain levels into an endless world of ice and silence. After 8–10 hours of travel, set up camp on the glacier and rest from your epic achievement.

Leave the towering ice world behind as you descend along the Hispar Glacier toward Kani Basa. Today’s route involves careful navigation across crevassed glacier terrain and loose moraines, with dramatic views of the Hispar Muztagh peaks towering above. As you move steadily downward, the scenery slowly shifts—shards of ice give way to barren rock and the first hints of alpine vegetation appear. After 6–7 hours of trekking, arrive at the rocky campsite of Kani Basa, nestled near the glacier’s edge. Take in the sweeping views of the Hispar Valley as you enjoy a hot meal and reflect on the transition from snow and ice to stone and sky. Camp overnight beneath a brilliant, starry night in this remote mountain corridor.

Today’s trek leads you off the glacier and into the heart of the Hispar Valley. After breakfast, begin the descent across moraines and rocky ridges before stepping onto firm ground for the first time in over a week. The trail meanders through alpine meadows and wild streams, where greenery begins to return and birdsong replaces the echo of ice. After 6–7 hours of trekking, arrive at the welcoming Hispar Village, a cluster of stone homes and terraced fields nestled among the mountains. The warmth of local hospitality, flowing water, and cultivated land marks a powerful contrast to the icy solitude of Snow Lake. Share stories over a celebratory dinner and camp under the peaceful night skies of the valley.

Depart Hispar Village by jeep and journey along the rugged tracks that wind through the Hispar Valley. The dramatic drive offers views of waterfalls, high cliffs, and fertile terraces where villagers tend their fields. After passing through Nagar, continue toward Karimabad in the Hunza Valley—a place steeped in history and framed by legendary peaks. Arrive after 5–6 hours and check in to your boutique guesthouse. In the afternoon, explore the cobbled streets of Karimabad, visiting the ancient Baltit Fort perched on a rocky ledge with stunning views of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar. Later, stroll through the lively bazaar for apricot products and woolen handicrafts before unwinding at your guesthouse, sipping Hunza tea beneath the pink-tinged peaks.

After breakfast, set out on a full-day scenic drive from Karimabad to Skardu. Travel along the legendary Karakoram Highway, winding past steep cliffs, turquoise rivers, and remote villages. Stop at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint to admire the soaring white pyramid of Rakaposhi (7,788m) before continuing to Gilgit. From there, follow the Indus River into the mountains toward Skardu, watching the landscape grow increasingly wild. Pause for lunch along the riverbanks before arriving in Skardu by late afternoon. Check in to your peaceful resort and take in the views of surrounding granite peaks. Enjoy a traditional Balti dinner and rest up after the long journey, as you prepare to return to Islamabad the following day.

Start the day early with a scenic flight from Skardu to Islamabad, offering stunning aerial views of the Karakoram if weather allows. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax before setting out to explore the capital. Visit the iconic Faisal Mosque, set against the Margalla Hills, followed by a trip to Lok Virsa Museum to discover Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage through traditional art, music, and textiles. Drive up to Daman-e-Koh for sweeping views of the city below. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, savoring rich flavors and reflecting on the unforgettable Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek—a journey from glacial wilderness to ancient valleys, guided by Travan Pakistan’s expert team.

Today offers a cultural finale as you explore the ancient city of Taxila and immerse yourself in the colorful tradition of Truck Art. Begin with a short drive from Islamabad to Taxila, once a flourishing center of Buddhist learning. Visit the Taxila Museum, home to carved stupas, statues, and relics from the Gandhara civilization. Walk among the sacred ruins of Dharmarajika Stupa and the hilltop Jaulian Monastery, set against scenic landscapes. In the afternoon, head to Rawalpindi for a hands-on Truck Art workshop. Learn the techniques behind Pakistan’s vibrant vehicle art and paint your own souvenir to take home. Return to Islamabad in the evening and unwind at your hotel, reflecting on the artistic and historic richness of your journey.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Islamabad as your Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek with Travan Pakistan draws to a close. Depending on your flight time, you may have the chance for some last-minute shopping or a stroll near the Margalla Hills. Transfer to Islamabad International Airport, where your team will assist with departure formalities. As you board your flight, reflect on the memories made—from crossing towering glaciers and conquering Hispar La, to exploring ancient ruins and colorful markets. This unforgettable adventure, rich in culture, challenge, and natural beauty, will stay with you long after your return home. Depart with the spirit of the Karakoram in your heart.

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